Elevate CCIC. would like to thank all who have contributed to the formation of our new business incubation center. Due to the recent hard work of our contractors, the center is getting closer to our eventual Grand Opening.

Contractors James, Tim and Jack (left to right) are working diligently to finish center.

Cafe style booths will allow entrepreneurs to work in a collaborative environment.

While much is still to be done before the center can officially open, the amount of progress that has been made is astounding. Throughout the last month projects such as the completion of two development areas have drawn interest to those working in the space.

The Unique multi-level work space will spark innovation.

Carlos Ortega, the executive director of Elevate, hopes that the layout will allow entrepreneurs to work in a unique way that does not resemble the traditional office environment. He says, “Elevate is designed to be an agile space where entrepreneurs can co-collaboratively build their brand.”

The decision to build Elevate with an open layout resembles a movement that has been adopted by many organizations in recent years in order to boost productivity and rethink how office communication should work.

Elevate is adding to this by continuing to develop relationships with existing entities from around the U.S.

Our newest network partner is Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation, also known as Rural LISC. Rural LISC is one of the country’s largest organizations supporting projects to revitalize communities and bring greater economic opportunity to residents. They invest in affordable housing, better schools, safer streets, growing businesses and programs that connect people with financial opportunities.

They provide the capital, strategy, and know-how to local partners to get this done.

Elevate CCIC, Inc. is proud to call Rural LISC our network partner.

As Elevate CCIC, Inc., we will work with our area residents to create jobs and prepare residents to succeed in those jobs through our partners, supporters, and established institutions in the area.

Through organizations such as Code Platoon, we aim to bring needed coding classes that work with regional veterans who desire to learn how to code.

We want to thank Consolidated Communications for being a supporter of Rural Communities and providing fiber-optic gigabit-speed internet access for Elevate CCIC, Inc.

Both Elevate and Consolidated Communications is passionate about making sure your data and private information is safe.

“Consolidated Communications is a broadband service provider that services mostly rural areas.” Said, Bob Udell, President and COO

Bob Udell stated, “We provide broadband to consumers, commercial customers, and even connections to wireless towers. We service everyone in the community and leverage these common assists to help rural communities connect to the internet. We are passionate about living, working, playing, and raising the economic development in these communities.”

Matthew Daneman stated, “Numerous Americans don’t have access to Broadband, and fiber is often looked at to a solution in a lot of communities.”

Mr. Udell, ” Fiber is the backbone of communications services. We are expanding that network and believe 5G will drive the additional fiber development. But serving the end-user will take a mix of technologies that will solve connection challenges in rural America. This will raise the economic development prospect of these rural communities.”

Consolidate Communications is very involved within the communities it services, and that is seen within Coles County and Elevate CCIC, Inc.

When complete, Elevate is going to be a place where members can have secure 24/7 access to the fastest internet around.

We are excited that Consolidated Communications has partnered with Elevate CCIC, Inc. in providing fiber optic gigabit-speed internet for our center and participating in the development of the local economy.

If you do any business online or need consistent secure reliable internet, Elevate is your one stop shop for all your needs. Small and large rooms as well as conference rooms are available to rent.

Elevate is working to create an environment where co-workers, small businesses, and individuals with the entrepreneurial spirit can obtain the resources to help them succeed. In Rural America, we often get left behind, but not anymore, with the support of the community Elevate is already becoming a success. With further support from individuals like you, Elevate will become a place where innovation can prosper, and ideas can become a reality.

Please Consider Donating today to help move Coles County and East Central Illinois forward by supporting us on this Giving Tuesday, 12/3/2019.

Development of Elevate CCIC, INC. (Elevate)

The Development of Elevate has been a community-wide engagement from the beginning. Because of the support of the community, our dream has become a reality. We are well on our way to become a regional hub of entrepreneurship and business innovation. Our space will be a place where ideas can collide, and innovation can prosper.

If you are a Innovator, entrepreneur, remote worker, have an at-home business, or need assistance in starting your business venture, we are your one-stop location for all your needs. Conference rooms will be available to rent as well. Please see the membership plans for more information.

Before:

October 2019

During

We are re-purposing the space in the mall for a more inviting feel. With open space to work, private offices, conference rooms to rent, gigabit-speed internet access provided by Consolidated Communications, and open 24/7. When complete there will be a place for everyone at Elevate. We believe this mixture of collaborative zones will increase productivity, whether you work alone or together.

November 2019

Progress

The development of Elevate has been nonstop since we started. We are working on completing our space by January 2020, and our board is fully engaged in making sure Elevate CCIC, Inc. is here for years to come.

Tour of the Space by Elevate CCIC, Inc. Board members

We are developing many connections to local, regional, country, and global partners. We are striving to do our best for those who utilize our space while providing access to resources to those who need it. Our programs such as ClassE, the Lake Land College Initiative, which will offer a tuition waiver for a 27 credit hour Business Development Certificate for qualified full members of Elevate, and offering services from Code Platoon are just a few of the programs that we are providing in our space. Please see the about section for more information.

Phase 3

We are currently in phase 3, which is fundraising for a three-year operational budget. We are halfway there but still need your help. Please consider donating for giving Tuesday and contribute what you can today.

One way that we are working to support our area veterans is through our partnership with Code Platoon to offer their remote services in our center when we open in January 2020.

Code Platoon is a nonprofit coding Bootcamp for veterans and military spouses. The program is full-time for 14 weeks, where students learn software development skills. Training is available in-person through their Chicago classroom or remotely. Please visit codeplatoon.org for more information and to apply today!

They are currently Accepting Applications for the next cohort, which are due by midnight on Sunday, January 26th, 2020. Just 10 weeks away. Scholarships are available through Code Platoon. https://www.codeplatoon.org/scholarships/

As Elevate, we are working to create an atmosphere which spurs innovation and entrepreneurship. Veterans or military spouses who are accepted into the program can now meet with other classmates who are also doing the class remotely at our center.

CLASSE Job
Description for posting

Entrepreneurship Teacher Opening

Elevate is the new home of ClassE. Coles County High School entrepreneurship class where students learn how to start and run a business. We are currently looking for a new Entrepreneurship Teacher. Please see blow for Job description.

Job Description

Responsible for coordination, instruction, and implementation
of Entrepreneurship curriculum for Coles County ClassE. Set-up guest speakers, business tours and in
class instruction. Work with students to
recruit students and promote class to civic organizations. Create a weekly newsletter to highlight class
work and promote activities.

Qualified candidates will have knowledge of Coles County
Businesses and have personal entrepreneurial experience. Must be organized and have excellent
communication skills. Experience working
with high school aged students preferred.
Candidate must have a valid Teaching License in Business Education or a
minimum of 60 college credits with 2000 work hours in Entrepreneurship/Business
Management.

Position requires 1.5 hours of classroom instruction per day
and time as needed outside of class during the school year.

A detailed job description and application can be found at www.eiefes.k12.il.us. Contact Laura Sullivan with questions and to apply: